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Chapter 49
The carriage heading back into the imperial palace was quiet.
Mel, perhaps tired, had fallen asleep on Juhee’s thigh, breathing softly.
Juhee stared out the window, lost in thought.
Could she sneak out without Rowan noticing?
More than anything, the bracelet was the problem.
She didn’t know exactly what kind of magic had been cast on it.
Even if she asked him, there was no guarantee he would answer honestly.
She should have asked Aspel about the bracelet earlier.
Juhee absentmindedly fiddled with the gem attached to it.
And Rowan was watching every single one of her movements.
While they were eating earlier, he had asked her several questions about the person she met, but she kept insisting she didn’t know him.
She said he must have mistaken her for someone else, so there was no need to worry about it.
It wasn’t that Rowan didn’t believe her—but he had a strong feeling she was hiding something.
Just then, she spoke.
“Rowan, you said the coronation is in a week, right?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I was wondering how long it takes.”
“You go out to the plaza, recite the oath, and the high priest places the crown on your head—that’s it. It’s the preparations that take a long time.”
“…Does it end late at night?”
“There will be a ball to celebrate the coronation… I’ll come back as early as I can.”
“You don’t have to push yourself. You’re the main character, after all.”
Juhee lightly shook her head.
It was no different from her usual behavior.
There was nothing strange about it, yet Rowan couldn’t shake the uneasiness creeping into his chest.
She didn’t say another word until they arrived at the palace.
* * *
Lately, Evelyn had been especially irritable.
She had spent a great deal of money to obtain an alchemical drug to trouble Juhee.
The maid she bribed had clearly said Juhee drank the tea laced with it—but strangely, nothing had happened.
“How dare she lie to me!”
Evelyn clenched her fists, her body trembling with anger.
She felt like dragging the maid in immediately and slapping her.
“She’s dead?”
“Yes, my lady. It was ruled a suicide due to financial hardship.”
“Hmph… fine.”
Evelyn let out a scoff.
Financial hardship, my foot.
She must have been caught because she handled things poorly.
So much for being clever—she was just a greedy, foolish maid.
Then a thought suddenly crossed Evelyn’s mind, and she froze.
Wait… she didn’t say who sent her, did she?
Since no one from the palace had come to arrest her, Evelyn assumed the foolish maid had kept her mouth shut.
But in reality, that wasn’t the case at all.
After learning that the maid had tried to make Juhee drink poisoned tea, Rowan already knew Evelyn was behind it.
He simply hadn’t spoken up yet—because the timing wasn’t right.
But if Evelyn tried something like that again, there was no telling what would happen.
Unaware of any of this, Evelyn simply assumed she hadn’t been caught.
In truth, something else was more important right now.
“My lady, how about this dress?”
“It’s too tacky. Next.”
She waved her hand dismissively, looking irritated.
Today, she was going to meet the Empress Dowager.
The invitation said they would simply have tea and talk, and Evelyn had eagerly accepted.
She planned to complain about everything she had endured so far.
Surely Her Majesty will take care of everything.
No matter how much power he had as emperor, the Empress Dowager was still his mother.
He wouldn’t be able to go against her.
Another maid hurriedly brought a different dress.
“My lady, then how about this one? It was newly made not long ago.”
“Hm… better than the last one. I’ll take this.”
“Yes, my lady.”
The maid sighed inwardly in relief for satisfying her picky taste.
A few hours later, everything was finally ready.
“My lady, preparations are complete.”
“Good. Well done.”
As she arrived at the palace by carriage, a maid waiting for her approached.
“Welcome, Lady. Her Majesty is waiting in the garden.”
Following the maid into the garden, she saw a familiar figure from behind.
After giving her dress one last check, Evelyn approached with a bright smile.
“Your Majesty, Empress Dowager!”
“Welcome.”
“Thank you so much for inviting me. I’ve been wanting to see you—how amazing that you knew my thoughts so well.”
“I was worried you might find it troublesome, but I’m glad.”
“Oh my, how could I ever find your invitation troublesome? You’re practically like a mother to me.”
At Evelyn’s words, Raviolle smiled warmly and gestured.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Then I shall.”
As Evelyn sat carefully, she glanced around.
There was another chair.
Tilting her head in confusion, Raviolle spoke.
“I invited Rowan as well. That’s alright, isn’t it?”
“Of course! I’d love that, Your Majesty!”
Her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled.
She hadn’t seen him in quite some time—it was perfect.
“It felt a bit dull to drink tea alone, so I called him. I’m glad you’re so happy.”
Just then, footsteps were heard, and Evelyn sprang to her feet and turned.
Rowan entered the garden, then stopped upon seeing her.
His expression clearly showed he wasn’t pleased.
Evelyn glanced at Raviolle.
“Since you’re here, sit down,” Raviolle said.
Rowan let out a faint sigh and walked toward the table.
“Why did you call me?”
“I had something to discuss. And I invited the lady so it wouldn’t feel too dull.”
Evelyn smiled sweetly and greeted him.
“Have you been well, Your Majesty?”
“…Yes.”
His cold response made Raviolle click her tongue.
He sat down, intending to endure this briefly and leave.
“I really wanted to be your partner at the New Year’s ball, but an accident happened… I was so sad and heartbroken. Still, I endured it while thinking of you.”
“I see.”
“By the way, how is this dress? I had it made recently… is it pretty?”
“Yes.”
Though his answer was half-hearted, Evelyn beamed.
“What is it you wished to discuss? I don’t have much time, so please be brief.”
“It’s time you started thinking about marriage.”
Rowan frowned.
It was a topic he had no interest in.
He stood up coldly.
“I have no intention of marrying yet. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving.”
“We’re not finished.”
Raviolle set her teacup down sharply.
“If the empire is to stabilize, it needs an empress. Surely you understand that.”
“….”
“Lady, when is your coming-of-age ceremony?”
“In three months.”
Evelyn answered shyly, smiling.
From the moment marriage was mentioned, her mood had soared.
All irritation toward Juhee melted away.
“That’s perfect. They say a spring bride is the most beautiful.”
“Spring? I can’t wait—”
“I have no intention.”
Rowan cut her off.
The air turned icy.
Evelyn flinched and lowered her gaze.
“ROWAN!!!” Raviolle shouted.
“I’ll handle my own affairs. Mother, you need not concern yourself.”
“How dare you—!”
Rowan looked at her coldly.
“I am the emperor of this empire.”
“….”
“Do not try to control me like a puppet.”
Raviolle sighed deeply.
“Then I’ll take my leave. I would appreciate it if you didn’t call me for such trivial matters again.”
As Rowan stood, Evelyn reflexively grabbed his hand.
His cold gaze fell on her.
She trembled.
Leaning closer, he whispered in her ear.
“Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”
“…What do you mean…?”
Her eyes shook.
Glancing briefly at Raviolle, he said,
“You’ve got quite the nerve. Poisoning tea.”
“…!”
Evelyn’s eyes widened.
Her hand dropped from his.
It trembled uncontrollably.
Rowan said nothing more and left the garden.
Raviolle frowned, puzzled by Evelyn’s pale face.
“Lady, you look unwell. Are you alright?”
“Ah—yes… I’m fine.”
Evelyn forced a smile and sat down.
Raviolle assumed she was frightened by Rowan’s cold demeanor and spoke gently.
“It’s alright. No matter what he says, he will marry you. You needn’t worry.”
Evelyn nodded and took a sip of tea.
The warmth calmed her slightly.
Seeing her color return, Raviolle muttered,
“Tch… it must be because of that girl. Otherwise, that clever child wouldn’t talk back to me like that.”
Rubbing her temples, she sighed.
“Are you referring to the lady His Majesty brought in?”
“Lady? Don’t be ridiculous. She’s nothing but a lowly commoner.”
Evelyn hesitated before asking,
“Then… does His Majesty wish to marry her?”
“Over my dead body. The empress of this empire will be you—and only you.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I trust you.”
“You are destined to be empress. Conduct yourself accordingly.”
“Yes, I will remember that.”
In the end, she would be the one who laughed last.
Once she became empress, she would gouge out those eyes that had dared look down on her.
She would make that girl crawl and beg for death.
This time I was unlucky and got caught… next time, I’ll be more careful.
A dark smile spread across Evelyn’s lips.
* * *
Mel woke up early in the morning and flew around the room.
The branch Aspel had given them was placed in a vase filled with water.
—Juhee, this place is huge! Even the bathroom is as big as the Melina Forest!
Mel squealed, scattering sparkling dust everywhere.
Juhee sat on the bed, waiting for Mel to finish exploring.
After causing a commotion in the dressing room as well—marveling at all the glittering things—Mel finally returned, looking refreshed.
